"You can't do sketches enough. sketch everything and keep curiosity fresh"
~ John Singer Sargent
Hi, I’m Aya Smith, I’m an artist deeply inspired by the beauty of nature, the art of storytelling, and the timeless work of masters like John Singer Sargent and William Bouguereau. I’ve always been drawn to the things that make us pause—the turn of a brushstroke, the warmth of an old photograph, a beautiful face, a quiet landscape, or a fleeting moment that somehow feels like a story.
Through my work, I seek to capture beauty, feeling, and a little bit of magic—the things that stir nostalgia and make us curious about worlds beyond our own.
I believe art isn’t meant to be kept at a distance; it’s something we can all step into. Learning to draw, paint, and truly observe can change the way we experience the world around us.
That’s what I hope to share here: my art, what inspires it, and what I’ve learned along the way.
There’s plenty to discover here.
Explore my art, stories, and the things that inspire me. Whether you’re here to find a piece for your home, preserve a beautiful moment, or simply wander through a world of art and imagination, I hope you find something that stays with you.
HARNESSING STORYTELLING in ART
Art has the extraordinary power to transcend time and evoke deep emotions through key elements such as timeless themes and storytelling methods. By drawing inspiration from the masters and believe it or not, cinema, I believe artists can unlock art and creativity that resonate on a profound level.
↳ Get your free printable gift!
Transform your space with a touch of timeless charm with my free downloadable gallery set! This collection features four romantic pieces, each designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia and storytelling.
- Whimsical Sketch: Inspired by the playful rhythms of John Singer Sargent’s “Lady with parasol”
- Floral painting: Capturing the delicate beauty of a blooming garden, this painting invites the tranquility of nature into your home.
- Serene Landscape: Painted with calming hues in watercolor, my painting of a tranquil scene of a local countryside barn
- Timeless Portrait: A nod to the romantic era, my master copy of William Bouguereau’s work.
Download and create your own gallery wall that tells a story of beauty, history, and romance. Just print, frame, and hang! It’s “on the house” 😉
ˑ the Shop ˑ
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Hand Crafted Squirrel Brush
$98.00 Add to cart -
Peoni on Black Print
$20.00 Add to cart -
1:1 Art Mentoring Program
Read more -
Winter Animals – Lone Wolf
$750.00 Add to cart -
Arches 300LBS Artist Journal
$35.00 Add to cart -
Nomad’s Watercolor Kit
$110.00 Add to cart -
Princess Bride Kiss Finale Original
$650.00 Add to cart -
Red Riding Hood’s Secret Wolf
$3.00 Add to cart
Planning a special event?
Make it unforgettable
There’s something so special about watching a memory become a piece of art right before your eyes. I paint the moments you never want to forget 
Live wedding paintings, animated inspired caricatures, heartfelt keepsakes, and a little bit of magic captured as your story unfolds.
Ways I Bring Your Story to Life
✧ Live Wedding Painting — A one-of-a-kind heirloom created as your love story unfolds. I capture the atmosphere, emotion, and little details of your special day to treasure the moment forever.
✧ Event & Corporate Painting — Add an unforgettable artistic experience to your celebration, party, or corporate event with a painting created right before your guests’ eyes.
✧ Caricature Entertainment — Fun, charming, and personalized keepsakes your guests can take home. I create quick, expressive portraits in an animated style that capture each person’s unique personality and bring smiles to your gathering.
✧ Custom Portraits & Commissions — Thoughtful, handcrafted artwork created from your favorite memories, photographs, and stories.
Every celebration has a story worth remembering. Whether I’m painting a wedding scene as it unfolds or creating whimsical caricatures for your guests, my goal is to turn fleeting moments into meaningful keepsakes you can cherish for years to come.
Whether it’s a wedding, celebration, or special occasion, I create art that feels like a treasured page from your own storybook.
what people are saying...
Your story begins here...
Let’s uncover the hidden magic within your most cherished memories. Through graphite and watercolor, we’ll preserve the moments that deserve to be treasured for a lifetime. Each piece is carefully created to become a timeless keepsake for your home and generations to follow.